Module EDUC56660: DISSERTATION (MA)

Department: Education

EDUC56660: DISSERTATION (MA)

Tied To

• X5K207: Education [with Qualified Teacher Status] (Secondary) (see Postgraduate Handbook 2013-2014 for details)
• X5K307: Education [with Qualified Teacher Status] (Primary) (see Postgraduate Handbook 2011-2012 for details)
• X9K907: Education [UK]
• X9KD07: Education (International Postgraduate Programme) (see Postgraduate Handbook 2012-2013 for details)

Pre-requisites

Corequisites

Excluded Combinations

Aims

• To enable students to research a topic or issue of professional interest or relevance through the use of appropriate research strategies and to deepen their knowledge and understanding of the topic or issue.

Content

• The focus of the dissertation will be decided in consultation between the student, the module convenor and the supervisor. The title of the dissertation must be agreed at the commencement of the registration for the module.

Learning Outcomes

• A range of research paradigms and their characteristic methodologies; some underlying philosophical assumptions that are made in educational research;
• What must be considered when the validity of educational research is evaluated;
• How educational research can be used to investigate contemporary issues in Education.

• By the end of the module students will be able to demonstrate the ability to evaluate educational research, more specifically will be able to:
• under the direction of the supervisor, study an educational topic or issue in depth, appropriate to the degree programme;
• identify and solve problems in specific educational contexts;
• evaluate educational research (either their own or others) use appropriate research strategies;
• demonstrate the ability to work independently.

• Communication effectively in writing;
• Work with a high level of autonomy;
• Access and use literature.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Workshop on elements of the research and writing process
• With guidance via tutorial supervision and support material in the Study Guide and through individual research.
• On submission of the dissertation title, students are assigned a dissertation supervisor who explores and helps define the focus of the research further. The final title is formally agreed and approved by the supervisor.
• Formative presentation to peers

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment

All students are given regular formative feedback from the supervisor on the progress of the dissertation through tutorial discussions and the presentation of draft material. Students are also expected to give short presentation on their work-in-progress to a member of staff and small group of peers after the Easter break.